Submitted by Olympic National Forest
Due to dry conditions, high fire danger, and the number of interagency resources already dedicated to active incidents, campfires in the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park will be restricted to established fire rings starting at 12 a.m. on July 11, 2025.
Backcountry and dispersed area campfires, charcoal grills, and other equipment that creates ash will not be allowed. Gas or propane camp stoves with a shut-off valve or lever that extinguishes the flame immediately are permitted. These stoves should be operated far from flammable vegetation and forest litter. Extreme caution is urged when using any open flame. This restriction also applies to Olympic National Park’s coastal beaches and to the Quinault and Hoh rainforests.
“Because it was a very dry spring, forest vegetation is extremely dry, stressed, and receptive to stray embers,” said Olympic Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner. “The ongoing Bear Gulch Fire shows how fast fires can grow in these conditions. When firefighters are responding to other incidents across the region, it’s even more important to prevent human-caused starts.”
Everyone can help firefighters and protect communities by learning how to prevent unwanted wildfires. Follow these fire and safety tips:
Check Current Fire Restrictions Before Lighting a Fire
Fire conditions are subject to change quickly. Always check with the appropriate land management agency before starting a fire. For updated fire restriction information, visit:
Keep Campfires Small
A campfire is less likely to escape control if it is kept small. A large fire may cast hot embers long distances. Add firewood in small amounts as existing material is consumed.
Please follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize campfire impacts.
Extinguish all campfires before leaving – even if gone for a short period of time.
If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave. Bring a shovel and a bucket of water to extinguish any escaped embers. When you are ready to leave, drown all embers with water, stir the coals, and drown again. Repeat until the fire is DEAD out.
Attend your campfire at all times
A campfire left unattended for even a few minutes can grow into a costly wildfire. Stay with your campfire from start to finish, as required by law. This ensures any escaped sparks or embers can be extinguished quickly.
Call 911 to report the illegal use of fireworks or unsafe fire use. Additional campfire and wildfire safety information can be found at www.smokeybear.com.
To view the list of campgrounds where campfires are allowed on the Olympic National Forest visit: Olympic National Forest – Camping & Cabins
To view the list of campgrounds where campfires are allowed in Olympic National Park visit: Camping – Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Read more Thurston County news here.
